Light Through Darkness
Valerie’s Leukemia Journey
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
JESUS CHRIST
About Me
Hi, my name is Valerie Rose Chan, my friends call me Val, I’m 32 and from Legazpi City, Philippines. I am passionate about mentoring others to become servant-steward leaders. I enjoy teaching the Bible creatively in small groups, ministries, and the Church. My heart is for the youth and to disciple them to be like Jesus Christ. And, with my love for coffee, I co-founded a business as mission called, Little Light Cafe.
Last September 11, 2021, I was diagnosed with blood cancer — Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis. Since then, I’ve been in and out of the hospital often staying in for a month long due to treatments and low immune system. I’ve had countless blood transfusions and been through chemotherapies and immunotherapies. On November 26, 2021, I finally had my Bone Marrow Transplant with my elder sister as my donor. After this, I was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called Pure Red Cell Aplasia, and my leukemia had relapsed. We’ve found out that my ALL subtype is Philadelphia Positive. I had to undergo salvage chemo and Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor medication. But praise God I achieved complete remission after 40 days and stayed in remission for one and a half years.
Last October 17, 2023, my leukemia had relapsed and it was suspected that I was resistant to my maintenance medications. From then on I have been battling against the disease again and have been trying all sorts of cutting-edge treatments.
I made this blog as a platform to inspire others journeying with sickness, suffering, and sadness. I hope to share my journey and reveal the glory of God’s faithfulness and goodness despite the many trials we face daily. If you are one of the many like me, please don’t hesitate to drop a message on the contact form.
Please read my full story here.
Latest Posts
A Year-End Heartfelt Prayer of Gratitude and Trust
2024 was a year of trials, pain, and unimaginable challenges, yet it was also a year of witnessing God’s unwavering faithfulness. Through sickness and uncertainty, He granted strength in weakness, joy in hardship, and miracles beyond comprehension. This heartfelt prayer reflects gratitude for His provision, the blessings of family and friends, and the new mercies that come with each morning. As the journey continues into 2025, it is a call to deeper trust, surrender to His perfect will, and a renewed commitment to walk in faith, guided by His light and love.
Face-to-Face With Suffering: What Leukemia Taught Me About Pain and Purpose
Battling leukemia for three years, I’ve faced pain that tested my body and spirit. This is my story of enduring suffering, finding strength in faith, and uncovering life’s deeper purpose through Christ.
10 Reasons Why I’m Thankful For Cancer
Over the past three years of battling cancer, I’ve seen Jesus show up in ways I never imagined. He has been with me in my darkest moments, reminding me that He is sovereign—always above and beyond my cancer. Because of Him, I’ve experienced lessons and blessings that I may never have known otherwise.
So today, on Thanksgiving Day, I want to share something close to my heart: 10 Reasons Why I’m Thankful for Cancer.
Make a Donation
Be Valerie’s light in fighting against leukemia by donating. She has already spent over 20 million pesos on her medical treatments (e.g. chemotherapy sessions, immunotherapies, IVIG treatments, blood transfusions, 2 bone marrow transplants, and countless injectable and oral medicines). Due to her 2nd relapse this October 2023, and 3rd relapse this November 2024, she has been on weekly blood transfusions and is undergoing a very expensive immunotherapy called Blinatumomab (Blincyto) that costs Php 145,000 per vial per day for a 28 day cycle, and in combination with this new medication called Asciminib that costs SGD 6150 for a month’s worth. These medicines are bought in Singapore and India since it is still not available in the Philippines. These medicines will hopefully put Valerie in remission and help her stay cancer-free.
With all these current medical expenses and future medication expenses, your donation will greatly ease her financial burdens.
If you wish to support her, we ask that you fill in your contact details through the form. So that we can be in touch with you and send updates, prayer requests, and praise reports.
Please transfer your financial support to any of the bank accounts below. Please upload a screenshot of your transfer for accountability purposes. May the Lord richly bless you as you bless her.
If you cannot submit via the form, please email your contact details and proof of donation at support@valerierosechan.me
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Contact
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